I am almost ready to do the chine caps gunnels and rub rails on my rapid robert. White oak is avalible ( special order , expensive ) But I have red oak avalible easily and cheaply. Why not use the Red Oak?
Spot on advice Tim! Avoid Oaks for drift boats. Use Sapele, Khaya, Utile, Honduras, Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, Yellow Cedars. Pay the price for these fine boat building woods now or pay for premature maintenance of the Oaks later.